The tension at the table had not faded.
It was getting worse..
I could still feel the small object in my hand...
hidden under the table.
"Finish your food," the boss said calmly.
I forced myself to take another bite.
But my focus wasn't on the food anymore.
It was on that thing Arin had slipped into my hand.
What was it...?
The boss's eyes never left me.
I clenched my fist slightly under the table.
Trying not to react.
"Look at me," he ordered.
I hesitated.. then slowly raised my eyes.
"Interesting," he murmured.
My heart was pounding.
Why does he say that...?
The Boss leaned back in his chair, his eyes still still fixed on me.
Eric let out a low chuckle.
She's trying hard not to show it, he said...
My grip tightened around the object in my palm.
I could feel it pressing against my palm.
"Fear is easy to read,"
"But control.... that's rare."
The Boss said slowly.
I didn't say anything.
Minutes passed in silence.
Then suddenly---
The Boss slammed his hand on the table.
"You think you can hide everything...?"
He said.
My heart started racing.
Did he know..?
"I asked you something," he continued.
"I... I'm eating," I said nervously.
He stared at me for a long moment.
Then slowly his expressions changed.
He leaned back again.
Like nothing happened.
After a moment, he stood up and walked away. Eric stood up too.
"Interesting girl" he murmured before leaving.
Now only me and Arin were left.
For a few seconds, no one spoke.
Then Arin leaned slightly closer.
"Don't react" he whispered.
"The thing in your hand..."
"Hide it" he said quietly.
What is it..? I whispered.
He looked at me seriously.
"Your only chance."
Then he stepped back and walked away.
I slowly opened my hand under the table.
A small.... key...
My breath stopped.
A key....?
To what...?